Monday, March 13, 2006

Public Works Update.

Residential Street Sweeping Resumes Monday, March 20

Motorists can receive a $30 fine if parked in a street-sweeping zone. Following the annual winter hiatus, mechanical streetcleaning resumes in the District's most heavily trafficked neighborhoods on Monday, March 20, 2006, the first day of spring.

Alternate-side parking restrictions in these areas will also return. Parking citations ($30 fine)will be issued to vehicles parked during street sweeping hours in areas posted with "No Parking/Street Cleaning" signs. Additionally, parked cars may be towed to allow the sweepers access to the curbside. Weekly street cleaning routes are typically located in the city's high-density neighborhoods, especially areas with significant foot traffic. Street sweeping reduces debris that would otherwise be carried by rain and run-off into the city's storm drains, polluting the District's rivers.

Bulk Trash Now Collected Only From the Front of Residential Properties

Sometimes residents need to dispose of appliances, furniture, mattresses and other items that are just too big to fit into regular trash trucks. The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects these bulky items - by appointment - from households that also receive DPW trash collection service. In the past, bulk trash could be set out at the same point of collection used for the resident's regular trash, alley or curbside. Beginning this week, however, residents requesting bulk trash collection are being directed to put out bulk items only at curb side infront of their property.

The change is, in part, a response to complaints that the large trucks used to pick up bulk items are too big or too ungainly to fit through alleys and can sometimes damage residents' property. To arrange for a bulk collection appointment, call the Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. After taking your information, the Call Center Service Representative will give you a collection date and a confirmation number. Up to seven items may be collected at a time.